Experts in many fields of horticulture share their love and knowledge with participants in classes offered year-round. Some are one-time lectures, some are 18-week college-credit courses, and others are hands-on demonstrations or tours. Each provides a rich resource to gardeners of all levels of experience.
To register for any of our classes, please phone (818) 949-7980. To see the current class flyers, click here and here.
Saturdays through September | 9:30-10 a.m. | Nature's Table
Bring your gardening questions! Mike Brown, Descanso’s Display Horticulturist, leads informal talks on gardening issues. Meet at Nature’s Table, Descanso’s garden of edibles.
Free with Gardens admission.
Saturday, Sept. 11 | 11 a.m. | Maple
Mike Brown, Display Horticulturist, shows you how to harvest for maximum plant health and productivity. The class meets in Maple, then moves out to the Gardens.
$15, $10 members
Monday, Sept. 6 | 10 a.m. | Center Circle
Explore new and updated pathways through Descanso’ California Garden. Natives Garden Horticulturist Rachel Young takes you a trek that highlights improved access to this favorite Garden. Meet at the Center Circle.
Free with Gardens admission.
Saturday, Sept. 18 | 1 p.m. | Center Circle
Descanso’s Natives Horticulturist Rachel Young draws on the wisdom of indigenous people to explore the many practical uses of California native plants. Meet at the Center Circle.
$10, free for members; advanced registration required
Saturday, Sept. 18 | 11 a.m. | Nature's Table
The autumnal equinox signals the shifting of the seasons. Descanso Horticulturist Mike Brown gives you guidance on growing a bounty of vegetables through the fall. Meet in Nature’s Table.
$10, free for members; advance registration required
Saturday, Oct. 9 | 1 p.m. | Center Circle
Descanso Horticulturist Wayne Walker leads a tour of Descanso’s famed camellia collection. Discover the many varieties of this beloved flower in our Garden – including the camellia leaf that is the basis for ordinary tea.
Free with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 senior/students and $3 children 5-12.
Saturday, Oct. 16 | 11 a.m. | Maple
Toss seed balls into the garden to spread colorful wildflowers throughout. This event runs concurrently with the Autumn Air art event. Adults will create seed balls in this class. Space limited; advance registration recommended.
Cost: $20, $15 members.
Saturday, Nov. 13 | 10 a.m. | Maple
Get a jump on spring bloom: Descanso Horticulturist Mike Brown shows you how! Subjects covered include soil preparation, raised planting beds, container gardens and more – everything you need to welcome spring with flowers. Class meets in Maple, then moves out to the Gardens.
$15, $10 members
Saturday, Nov. 13 | 1 p.m. | Center Circle
Enjoy the colors of autumn with this informative walk with Descanso Horticulturist Wayne Walker. He will show off Descanso trees in their fall finery, including gingkos and liquidambars. Meet at Center Circle.
Free with admission.
